June 2022 VTERC Meeting
We’re moving full steam ahead with the Commission’s work and expect to have many pieces ready for you all in the coming weeks.
First, we will have our June meeting on June 15 at 6:30 p.m. This will be a virtual meeting and the link is below. At this meeting we will hear from the Illinois Environmental Council’s Executive Director Jen Walling on state-level programs and initiatives on green energy. We will also get an update from the University of Illinois on residential and commercial initiatives. Veregy will also provide a more detailed timeline for what to expect over the next few months as it relates to feasibility studies and identifying synergies.
June VTERC Meeting
Wed, Jun 15, 2022 6:30 PM
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/599710613
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 599-710-613
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Second, I’m passing along these responses to a few questions member had about certain grants from Congressman Schneider’s presentation. If you have any questions on these, please let me know and I’ll work to get you in touch with the right people.
- Program Upgrading our Electric Grid and Energy Reliability and Resiliency – Can this grant be used for municipalities who want to build out their energy grid and install batteries for energy storage at their facility? This way they can charge their vehicles or equipment off the battery power and recharge the batteries when energy rates are less expensive
- Yes, units of local government and/or public utility commissions are eligible to apply for this program. Additionally, funding can be used for the demonstration of innovative approaches to energy transmission, storage (including battery storage), and distribution infrastructure to harden and enhance electrical resilience and reliability. Therefore, meaning that energy grid expansion is an eligible expense under this grant.
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program – What communities will qualify to receive the block grant funds? Is it the same communities that get CDBG funds or different?
- EEBG: ELIGIBLE ENTITY. The term ‘‘eligible entity’’ means a state, a combination of 2 or more states, an Indian Tribe, a unit of local government, a public utility commission can apply for this grant.
- CBG: ELIGIBLE ENTITY. The term “eligible entity” means states and localities can apply for this grant so long that they seek to support economic development, community development, and infrastructure.
- Low or No-Emission (Bus) Competitive Grants – What if school districts contract out their bus services (for example: FirstStudent), does the school district apply for funding or would FirstStudent apply?
- The question mentions two different grants: the Low or No Emission Competitive Grants Program and the Clean School Bus Program. For additional information regarding eligibility for both, please read below.
- The Low or No Emission (Bus) Competitive Grants program is the name given to a Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration program that funds public transportation buses (49 U.S.C. §5339(c)). Under this grant, that school buses are not eligible for funding. The definition of public transportation in federal law (49 U.S.C. §5302(15)) specifically excludes school bus service.
- Under the Clean School Bus Program (IIJA, §71101), the public authority would need to apply for funding according to 49 U.S.C. §5339(a)(4). This is the grant program for school districts to apply for.
As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please reach out to me.
Thank you again for all you do.
Best,
--
Max Weiss
Strategic Projects Coordinator
Vernon Township
847-924-5423